Description

Baritone – Fontaine Besson

This baritone was made by the company Fontaine-Besson during the first decade of the twentieth century. The Besson company, which operated in both France and England, was dedicated to the manufacture of brass musical instruments. Historical records indicate that it was founded by Gustave Auguste BESSON (1820–1875) in Paris in 1838, with the first London branch opening around 1850. After the passing of Gustave Auguste Besson, the French division rebranded itself as Fontaine-Besson in 1880, although it retained the name Besson in England. The company is still in operation today and more details on its history can be found at https://www.besson.com/en/our-story/

This baritone is marked with BONNEL / A RENNES. Bonnel was a dealer in the city of Rennes. The serial number is 72118. It features four perinet valves (3+1) – all numbered. There is no mouthpiece. It is a beautiful brass instrument, which has been cared for over the years as part of a collection. The slides and valves are fully operational. There are some minor dents, plus soldering, which can be seen in the photos.

This Fontaine-Besson baritone is in need of a new residence and the chance to be part of new owner’s arsenal of instruments.